Nature Notes: Columbus bolsters recycling program

Monday

Oct 1, 2007 at 12:01 AMMay 12, 2009 at 2:58 PM

Neighborhood recycling efforts will get easier as the number of free, public drop-off sites multiplies from 69 to 190. New bins will be placed in 121 Columbus City Schools - thanks to a partnership between the City of Columbus, the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio and the Columbus City School District.

Today, Mayor Michael Coleman met with students at Sullivant Elementary in Franklinton to unveil the new project. Cute demonstration; worthwhile advance in helping local residents pitch in.

“We’re making it easier to recycle around Columbus, and you can’t beat the price when it is free,” said Mayor Michael B. Coleman today in a statement. “This partnership puts recycling within easy reach of where families live, and is an opportunity to start teaching our children good habits like recycling to build a more sustainable future.”

The new Columbus City School locations will be open for residents use from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. Paper, cardboard, bottles, cans and other recyclables will be accepted.

Just a drop in a bucket? Here's an interesting fact.

In conjunction with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, SWACO three years ago placed recycling containers in every one of the 5,500 Columbus City School classrooms. In the last two years, district students have recycled about 1,500 tons - about 27 pounds per student.

Not bad.

For a list of locations, click to www.swaco.org.

Also: Alive is running a green issue later this month. We're looking for your insight into pressing issues facing the environment. Like these suggestions above, we're looking for ways - simple and complex - to help the Earth. Comment on this blog, or contact me here to share your thoughts.